Chapter 24: Splitting the Forces
Qin Sang waited by the side.
The Dongyang Lady and her party were deliberating in the forest, believing themselves to be at a safe distance. However, Qin Sang heard their discussion clearly.
Granny Li spoke grimly, "Whether that boy's words are true or false, the lady's identity and whereabouts are undoubtedly exposed. With the ambiguous stance of Zhenshui King, we must avoid the City of Three Witches at all costs. The fake emperor's minions will not give up easily. The best course of action is to split our forces. The convoy should take the main road back to Kun City to draw attention, while the Lady secretly departs by water route to return swiftly to Dongyang Commandery. I fear that the boy might be a spy sent by the fake emperor to divide our forces. In my opinion, his identity does not need to be verified—just kill him, and we won’t have to worry about him spreading news."
Qin Sang’s expression remained unchanged, but he felt a chill inside. He hadn't expected the old woman to be so ruthless.
He glanced at the black horse outside the forest, where the Yan Luo Banner was still wrapped up. Qin Sang calculated the route, deliberately pacing back and forth, subtly moving closer to the roadside.
If they did intend to act against him, he would not sit idly by.
Then Bai Jianglan spoke up, "Lady, please reconsider. If Brother Qin truly came here out of gratitude for your saving him last year, risking his own safety to deliver this message, wouldn't it be…"
Before Qin Sang could relax, Granny Li sharply interrupted Bai Jianglan, "Commander Bai, my only concern is the lady's safety. Beyond that, I care for nothing else! Let me advise you, since you have chosen to serve under the king, it’s best to shed your martial world demeanor as soon as possible!"
A moment of silence followed.
Feeling the situation growing tense, Qin Sang sighed inwardly, already preparing for action. Then, unexpectedly, the Dongyang Lady spoke, "Commander Bai, are you certain that Qin Sang did not know martial arts last year?"
Bai Jianglan replied, "On the ship that day, I personally examined him. He had no trace of true qi in his body, and his muscles and bones were loose, suggesting he had not practiced martial arts."
"Yet he could kill Jiangshan Tower's assassins with less than a year of training?"
The Dongyang Lady sighed slightly, "Such talent must be unprecedented, even for you, Granny Li. Words alone are insufficient. Commander Bai, please test him."
"Understood!"
…
Qin Sang pretended to be unaware and looked at Bai Jianglan with feigned confusion as he approached.
"Brother Qin…"
Bai Jianglan moved slowly towards Qin Sang, and just as he was about to close the distance, he suddenly struck.
Clang!
A flash of sword light shot towards Qin Sang like lightning.
A fierce wind rushed at him.
From this attack, Qin Sang could tell that Bai Jianglan was stronger than the black-clad assassins. Yet he still managed to track the sword’s trajectory, especially since he was prepared.
"Brother Bai!"
Qin Sang appeared shocked, but his movements were swift. He shifted his feet, twisting his body sharply to avoid the icy blade that sliced past him.
"Brother Bai, you—"
Qin Sang started to speak, but Bai Jianglan didn’t give him a chance. With a swift motion, he closed the distance between them and struck with his hand, which was now like an eagle’s claw, aiming to seize Qin Sang.
Bai Jianglan’s palm art was exquisite, as fast as thunder and unpredictable, but Qin Sang could follow every movement clearly.
In the brief exchange, Qin Sang seized an opportunity to counter with a punch. The impact felt like hitting a wall, and he was forced to step back several paces, barely managing to stay on his feet, while Bai Jianglan remained unmoved.
Qin Sang realized that without the Yan Luo Banner, there was a significant gap between him and a true martial arts master.
Little did he know, Bai Jianglan was even more astonished.
Although their fight was brief, Bai Jianglan felt an unsettling clarity—he seemed unable to gain any advantage over Qin Sang. Every move he made was countered by Qin Sang, who disrupted his offensive with every strike.
During this encounter, Bai Jianglan was forced to be cautious and nearly fell victim to Qin Sang’s counterattacks.
Only with his true qi carefully channeled did Bai Jianglan manage to remain in a stable position.
"Brother Bai, why are you attacking me?"
Qin Sang panted heavily, his face a mix of indignation and confusion.
The Dongyang Lady and Granny Li also approached, their expressions filled with surprise as they examined Qin Sang.
Bai Jianglan sheathed his sword and reported to the Lady, "My Lady, I have tested him. In my opinion, Brother Qin’s keen senses and quick reflexes are unparalleled. He has mastered the Tiger Subduing Long Fist to an extraordinary degree, making it difficult for others to surpass him. The assassins from Jiangshan Tower excel in stealth and disguise, but their skills are ineffective against Brother Qin. It is only natural that they would be outmatched."
Granny Li smiled coldly. "The lady chose well in saving him. Who would have thought that Brother Qin possesses such extraordinary talent? To have mastered the Tiger Subduing Long Fist to this extent, given time, he will surely become a top martial artist. Congratulations, Lady, on acquiring such a formidable warrior!"
If not for having heard Granny Li’s earlier insistence on killing him, one might have thought her a kind person.
Qin Sang’s expression remained one of bewilderment.
"Are you testing me?"
The Dongyang Lady spoke earnestly, "Please do not take offense, Brother Qin. Given the weight of the situation, we must be cautious. Your life-saving actions are deeply appreciated, and once we are out of danger, we will certainly reward you handsomely."
Granny Li interjected, "This matter can be discussed later. Time is of the essence. I will go fetch Elder Yue now. Commander Bai and Elder Yue will escort the lady south to cross the river and travel downstream. In a few days, we should be able to return to Dongyang Commandery."
The Dongyang Lady furrowed her brow, "Granny, you are not coming with us?"
Granny Li’s gaze grew cold as she looked outside. "Though these guards are loyal to the king, there may be some who are fearful for their lives or untrustworthy. I must stay here to oversee things and prevent any abnormalities that might alert Jiangshan Tower. Do not worry, Lady. I will handle the situation carefully."
Understanding there was no better option, the Dongyang Lady replied, "Please be careful, Granny Li... Also, have Chun Tao come here. Commander Bai, please accompany Granny Li, select a few guards, and bring the horses. We’ll travel light."
"Understood."
Qin Sang followed outside to bring the horses, securing the Yan Luo Banner to the ironwood staff. Having it close by gave him some peace of mind.
As Qin Sang entered the forest with the horses, he saw Bai Jianglan had brought Water Monkey and six unfamiliar guards, including an elderly man with a glowing complexion.
Granny Li led Chun Tao into the clearing.
Recalling Chun Tao’s previous harsh demeanor, Qin Sang observed that Chun Tao merely glanced at him before walking past with a blank expression.
Granny Li then took out a thin, translucent human skin mask and applied it to Chun Tao’s face. She then dressed Chun Tao in attire identical to the Dongyang Lady’s.
Once the mask was applied, it was completely seamless.
Qin Sang watched in amazement as, after the Dongyang Lady removed her accessories and dressed Chun Tao, the disguised Chun Tao perfectly resembled the Lady, looking just like her.
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